Invisalign

Maintaining a natural appearance is often the biggest concern for people considering orthodontics. Even with advances in the field and the many choices of colors and materials available, braces and retainers are still more conspicuous than most patients would like. In addition to aesthetics, the dentists and specialists at our Philadelphia, PA, practice often recommend clear aligners because the orthodontic treatment offers a number of benefits over braces, including:

Can Invisalign Help You on Your Journey to a Beautiful Smile? 

While the goal of orthodontic treatment is to help patients achieve a straighter smile, Invisalign offers so much more. After treatment, patients may find that brushing and flossing are easier, which means their risk of developing decay and gum disease will be lower. By treating malocclusion, Invisalign treatment can reduce the symptoms that accompany a misaligned bite, such as headaches and excessive wear on certain teeth. Lastly, patients can expect to enjoy more self-confidence thanks to their new smile.

During a personal consultation at Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics, serving communities throughout the Philadelphia area, one of our orthodontists will evaluate your concerns and help you weigh the advantages of Invisalign versus braces to determine if the option is right for you.

Invisalign treatment can correct many of the same orthodontic issues as braces. For patients in the Philadelphia area looking to straighten their smile, this system can effectively treat:

• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crossbites
• Crooked teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Rotated teeth
• Open bites

Invisalign treatment may not be appropriate for all patients. Those with severe or complex malocclusion may be better candidates for more conventional orthodontic treatments such as braces. We offer a range of options and are confident we can help you achieve your goals.

An attractive alternative to braces, Invisalign provides patients our patients in Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, and the Philadelphia area with transformative orthodontic results. Invisalign combines the orthodontic effects of braces with cosmetic benefits thanks to a series of clear, removable aligners.

Impressions and Treatment Planning

The clear aligners are created by taking dental impressions, clinical photographs, and x-rays of the patient's teeth. This information is then sent to Align Technology. There, a computer creates a 3-D model that allows technicians to create a series of clear aligners that will slowly move the teeth over time into the prescribed position that your orthodontist deems appropriate.

Creating Your Aligners

Once your dentist or orthodontist at our Philadelphia practice approves the treatment plan, a plastic resin aligner is created for each stage of the Invisalign treatment process. While numbers vary depending on the case, the average Invisalign patient will receive between 18 and 30 different clear aligners over a period of about one year.

Invisalign patients at our Philadelphia practice must be sure to wear their aligners at least 20 to 22 hours a day to avoid disrupting the treatment process. Failing to do so can dramatically lengthen the treatment timeline and associated cost.

Similar to traditional braces or any orthodontics, a retainer must be worn following Invisalign treatment. You will only have to wear your retainers overnight, which has two benefits: the retainers should not only keep your smile straight but they can also protect your teeth against the effects of bruxism.

Once treatment is complete, many patients further enhance their smile with teeth whitening or other procedures at our Philadelphia practice to achieve a complete smile makeover.

The Invisalign system offers a wide range of benefits compared to metal braces. Unfortunately, there are a few drawbacks. Patients in Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, and throughout the Philadelphia area should consider their budget, the treatment timeline, and their lifestyle when deciding on the best dental plan to meet their needs.

Treatment Time

Some cosmetic dentistry alternatives such as porcelain veneers can transform your smile in a matter of weeks. Although it is often quicker than braces, Invisalign can span several months or more. If you are looking for fast treatment due to a special event, such as a wedding, our dentists can discuss alternative dental treatments so that you are ready on your big day.

Limited Candidacy

Advancements to Invisalign's aligner technology have given more people the chance to utilize this popular treatment plan, but it is not right for everyone. Severe malocclusion or misalignment and severely rotated or tipped teeth are generally best treated with traditional braces. 

Personal Commitment

The fact that braces are attached to your teeth means there is no threat of you not remaining compliant with the treatment. Due to the clear aligners being removable, in order for the process to work, you must wear your trays for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. This might make the treatment inadvisable for our younger patients. However, Invisalign Teen features unique trays to ensure patients remain compliant throughout the process.

Adjusting to the Aligner Trays

While the custom-made trays fit securely over your teeth, they may feel a bit strange during the first few days of treatment. It can take some time to become accustomed to Invisalign. This is especially true the first couple of days after switching to a new aligner. Some patients may experience mild soreness or have limited speech difficulties during the transition period. Fortunately, these side effects are temporary and should diminish within a few days.

Treatment Cost

In most instances, Invisalign costs are comparable to that of traditional braces. However, if your case is more complex and requires a greater number of trays, your custom treatment plan could end up costing more than other options. Once you have met with one of the doctors at one of our Philadelphia area locations, we can provide you with a cost estimate before you commit to treatment.